Professional Dog Training in Northern Virginia
Our training programs focus on building trust, structure, and lifelong skills through gentle, reward-based methods—helping your dog thrive at home and beyond.
Meet Jeff Walton
Director of Training at Giving Tree Pet Resort
We’re proud to introduce Jeff Walton, Director of Training and Lead Dog Trainer at Giving Tree K9 Academy, the DC metro area’s premier and most affordable dog training experience.
With over 10 years of professional dog training experience and certification from the nationally recognized Starmark Academy for Dog Training, Jeff brings a balanced, results-driven approach that helps dogs—and their families—build lasting trust, obedience, and confidence.
Jeff has successfully worked with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments, from energetic puppies to dogs requiring advanced behavior modification. His training philosophy focuses on clear communication, structure, and engagement, ensuring dogs learn in a way that is fair, effective, and enjoyable.
At Giving Tree, Jeff leads a full range of customized training programs designed around your dog’s personality, your goals, and your family’s lifestyle. Training options include:
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Puppy socialization and foundation obedience
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Private training sessions
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Board-and-train programs
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Group classes
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Structured social enrichment
Whether you’re working on basic manners, addressing unwanted behaviors, or giving your dog more purpose and confidence during play, Jeff guides each dog through a thoughtful, step-by-step training process that produces real, lasting results.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Giving Tree K9 Academy is Northern Virginia’s premier provider of balanced obedience programs, carefully tailored to achieve your specific training goals.
Unlike other training services that use a cookie-cutter approach, Giving Tree K9 Academy prides itself on recommending the right tools and methods to educate your beloved companion in a fun, fair, and engaging manner. We believe canine obedience is best achieved through consistency, structure, and understanding—making training enjoyable and meaningful in your dog’s mind.
Regardless of size, breed, or temperament, our ultimate goal is to return to you a happy, focused, and self-confident dog. No behavior issue is too great or too small to be addressed with compassion and understanding under the Giving Tree.
OUR APPROACH
At Giving Tree K9 Academy, we understand that all dogs are different, and we strive to find the right methodology to tap into each dog’s innate desire for attention, praise, and connection with their handler.
We achieve this by nurturing self-confidence, education, and engagement throughout the training process—setting dogs up for success in every session while continually challenging them in a fair and consistent manner. A confident dog that can remain engaged amid distractions, new environments, and unfamiliar people is the ultimate goal of both trainers and owners alike.
Our mission is to return to you a dog that understands how to navigate potentially “scary” situations calmly and confidently, without incident.
HOW OUR PROCESS WORKS
Step One:
Schedule a free evaluation with our Canine Training and Behavior Specialist and Lead Trainer to discuss your goals and determine the recommended program for you and your dog.
Step Two:
Enroll your dog in a program and set a drop-off date for board-and-train or dayboard-and-train programs, or schedule private lessons with your trainer.
Step Three:
After graduation, attend group classes for continued education at both ends of the leash while building confidence working around other dogs.
We believe continuation training through group classes that challenge both you and your dog is essential for maintaining progress and building upon it.
OUR PROGRAMS
Board-and-Train
Planning to travel or looking for an immersive training experience? A board-and-train program may be the perfect way to begin your training journey. The advantage of this program is that your dog returns home as close to a “finished product” as possible and ready for continuation training through group classes.
Throughout the program, you will receive daily video updates highlighting what we’re working on, along with explanations of the methods and techniques used.
Dayboard Training
With a flexible schedule to suit your needs, you’ll drop your dog off in the morning and pick them up in the evening after a full day of training. A major benefit of the dayboard program is that you’ll receive a lesson every two to three training days, allowing you to grow and learn alongside your dog.
Daily video updates are provided throughout the program to keep you informed on progress and methodology.
Private Lessons
Want to train your dog yourself but unsure where to start? A private lesson package is ideal for owners who want hands-on involvement, with professional guidance to ensure both you and your dog are set up for long-term success.
Book for a FREE Training Evaluation today!
Tel: 571-325-2994
